The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm. Members present included: Nancy Keefe, Erin Cronan, Dotty Cronan, Dany Abdallah, Zeina Kobti, Katie Neal-Rizzo, Kieu Wong, Bebhinn O’Connell, Gigi Michalec, Siuyien Mathews, Jeff Kerr & Steve Conant
Sept Meeting Minutes approved.
Fine Arts Director (Jeff Kerr) Update
- -Demand for elementary instrumental rentals have increased. The town has a decent stock and is continuing to purchase instruments. They are able to rent to families for $75/year versus renting through local companies (approx $60/month). Still need a few more string instruments, and they are being purchased along with some extra band instruments. Norwood Women’s Club donated $500 towards this effort.
- -Madrigal Banquet Planning: Ticket price last year was $40. If we want to try and break even, should we raise ticket prices? Jeff would like to send out an announcement by 10/20 to give families time to plan. Proposal to expand to 14 tables and invite more community members was suggested. Joe Tropeano (general manager/chef) who has catered the event for the past few years is no longer with Lewis’ Bar & Grill. Jeff would like to explore a partnership with the Culinary Department at Blue Hills Regional HS. Need to start planning and possibly revise. Katie mentioned that the Norwood Mason’s Lodge is looking to support local groups with donations, just need to apply. Katie will provide contact info to Gigi.
- Jeff has the ability now to contact all Fine Arts families for direct emails through ParentSquare. He will send a flyer Mike Sangalang created for families to join the PMA with contact info, etc. All elementary families will be contacted. At the 5th-12th grade levels, families of the students in music ensembles will be contacted. Notices can go through Jeff and do not have to wait for various principals/teachers to send out.
- Performance calendar has been shared. Both onsite & offsite events are on it with location, times, etc. to promote a broader awareness of performances.
- Marching band uniforms look great! Thanks to the PMA for supporting the purchase.
- Working with two external companies on getting music and drama items (instruments/props/uniforms/costumes, etc) inventoried and stream-lined with a barcode. Information will be in a database for ease of access for everyone.
- Working out kinks for 5th grade ensemble scheduling. It was a slow start adjusting to the new building and schedules. Ensembles have finally met but there are still concerns regarding students missing core classes and other electives. Music was the last class to be scheduled and problems arose. Administration and teachers are still working it out and families will be informed.
- General issues with middle school elective scheduling were discussed. The current music program scheduling is requiring students to choose between STEM, Computers and Fine Arts electives which is not fair to students who would like to do both. Students also seem to miss language and gym classes for lessons which may mean they miss a Wellness class also. These scheduling conflicts were not explained to parents and potentially will have a very detrimental impact on the music program.
Treasurer (Dany Abdallah) Update
- September 2025 spending almost breaking even (refer to budget report for specific numbers)
- The most spending was for upgrading the golf cart to lithium batteries
- Need to keep in mind to plan for Semiformal (ticket prices, etc.)
- Madrigal fundraised and used those proceeds to purchase jackets.
- Motion to approve the Sept budget report. All in favor. Approved.
- Other discussions:
- Dany requests that info for the Home Show program be available sooner so that it is not a rush job with the printer. Suggestion was made to provide the program only online and/or just print a small batch. Erin mentioned that an added benefit for an online program allows for translation to other languages. Discuss later.
- Our organization filing with the state has Dany & Siuyien named in multiple positions due to lack of available board members.
- Our tax exempt status is updated every 10 years. Dany is looking for the document.
- A deal was negotiated with Penske to drop off and pick up the equipment truck due to Penske closing their Norwood location. The price did not change.
- Ed Ferris is loaning the trailer for the season to transport the golf cart to and from shows.
Ways & Means (Kieu Wong) update
- Chair massage fundraising is up in the air, the owner of Restorative Massage is having staffing issues. Probably will not happen.
- Humble Pie fundraising is on, we have a week to get all the orders in. (11/7 delivery 5-6pm). Kieu has scheduled them for Easter & next Thanksgiving as well. Need to remember to advertise.
- A potential fundraising event at Top Golf is being explored
- Gigi said a Gumdrop Books rep had contacted her for a potential fundraising event. Jeff mentioned that in the current climate, book topics may be controversial and provoke complications. Also they are not a local bookseller and he is hesitant to support that at the moment. More research is needed.
- Gigi also proposed a community concert idea at the high school. PMA could advertise to the community for existing performances. Winter Concert? Pops Night? General discussion about how to promote more awareness and showcasing our musical talent to the community.
- Jeff would like to keep pursuing the idea of bringing in professional musicians to do a workshop with students and then have a performance. General discussion about how to raise large amounts of funds to support such events. Currently the Home Show is our biggest fundraiser for the year. Siuyien brought up concerns regarding rising prices for food/drinks and lack of volunteers. Our ability to provide the Home Show we have in years past may be diminished, which would also impact the amount we can raise. There will be a planning meeting later in the week – let’s see how many people show up.
Mr. Conant’s Update
- The Home show will start at 1pm, 215th Army Band coming to play at intermission
- Norwood will perform at 2:45pm then UMASS Lowell. Approx. 4pm end.
- Do we do a paper program? QR code online programs? He would like programs at least for directors and judges.
- Announcer: Mollie Caravello? Kate McDonough?
- Close concessions when Norwood is performing? General discussion about logistical details for the Home Show.
- For this Saturday USBands at King Philip: 10am start on Sat. bus home by 7:15pm. Not staying to see other bands.
- General discussion about Marching Band Open House in the Spring. Concerns about summer scheduling for students for camps and jobs.
- Thank you to the PMA – for updating the golf cart, getting the prop art printed (alumni band member Katie McLeish designed the art), and fronting CG uniforms (town is paying it back)
- Lots of positive comments about the Band’s new uniforms. General discussion about what to do with the old uniforms. Suggestion was made to auction off old uniforms & shakos to alumni. Tabled to when marching band season is over.
Other Business
- Prescott open house went well, some interest from parents
- Mike Sangalang updated PMA Brochure
- Fine Arts Semiformal has been confirmed with Four Points for Feb 6, 2026
- General discussion about upcoming winter concerts at middle & high school. Recurring discussion about concerns with audience behavior at the middle school concerts and how to mitigate noise and disruptive behavior. Suggestion was made that students could make a promo video to ask for quiet & respect during the concert (like at the movie theater) – audience may be more receptive.
- Honor Band concert will not have a critique & adjudication session at the concert, but will happen at final rehearsal. The younger students were uncomfortable and somewhat upset with the process last year and parents were confused. The concert will be a joyful event without criticism. Katie offered to organize optional babysitting for younger siblings of performers.
- Question was raised about getting portraits made of the Fine Arts Seniors like the ones for the athletes. Discussion about how to promote and showcase senior talent on social media. Details need to be worked out.
Motion was made to adjourn the meeting. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned – 8:46pm.
